Sienne Lautarette, left, and Emma Glassmaker welcomed Christmas to Kenai at 2017’s Christmas Comes to Kenai celebration at the Kenai Visitor Center. The evening festivities included an electric light parade, a fireworks show and snacks. (Photo by Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

Christmas comes to Kenai Friday

In Kenai, the Friday after Thanksgiving means one thing — it’s time for Christmas.

This year, the Kenai Chamber of Commerce continues their tradition with Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 23.

“We’re excited to have Santa back this year,” said Kenai Chamber of Commerce Director Johna Beech. “The Kenai Fire Department will be driving him over on a truck at 11 a.m. and he’ll stay until about 1:30.”

Families can have their photo taken with Santa, Beech said, and will see the photos in about a week. Guests are also invited to take their own photos.

“All photos are free for anyone that wants to take a photo,” she said.

While Santa has some of the gifts covered, others can be bought at the Kenai Fine Arts Guild Arts and Craft Fair at Kenai Central High School opening at 10 a.m. on Friday. The Challenger Center will also be hosting the seventh annual Holiday Bazaar.

The school will be filled with local vendors and crafters for those who want to get their shopping done early. There will also be food vendors, for those who can’t stomach any more turkey. The fair will be open until 5 p.m.

Starting at 6 p.m., the Electric Lights Parade will run through Old Town Kenai.

“It runs down Frontage Road, so a reminder to anyone that wants to get in and out of Old Town from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.,” Beech said. “We will block Old Town during that time.”

The parade will last about an hour, with a bonfire and McDonald’s hot chocolate on hand to keep paradegoers warm. Shortly after the parade, the winter night will light up with fireworks. The fireworks, sponsored by the Weaver Brothers and the city of Kenai, will go off from the softball fields at 7 p.m.

Due to safety concerns, parking is not allowed at the softball fields.